How to Buy Cloth Diapers

By eHow Parenting Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Many parents wanting to be more environmentally friendly are opting for cloth diapers rather than disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are not only better for the environment, but may be better for your baby's skin too. There are many places where you can purchase cloth diapers, if you know where to look. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1
Think about what kind of cotton you want. You can choose between regular or organic cotton. Organic cotton is raised without the use of pesticides and may be a little better and perhaps a little softer for your baby's skin. It will be a little more expensive.
Step2
Decide whether to buy flat (pre-folded) diapers or all-in-one diapers. Made from cotton, flat diapers are folded to fit around your baby's bottom and then covered with a separate waterproof cover. Some of these cloth diapers come pre-folded, others you have to fold yourself. All-in-one diapers include the cotton section that covers your baby's bottom and the waterproof cover. All-in-one are more expensive, but may be easier to use.
Step3
Choose what kind of closure you want your diaper covers to have. Some waterproof covers have Velcro, others have snaps and still others require you to use diaper pins. Each of these kinds has pros and cons and you may need to experiment to find a closure that works for you and your baby.
Step4
Purchase cloth diapers online, at baby stores and through diaper services that will not only provide them, but clean them for you as well.

Tips & Warnings

  • Don't buy used cloth diapers. Other than the general health issues, they probably won't work very well.

Comments

| View All Comments
jenajera

jenajera said

Flag This Comment

on 4/13/2008 Hmm...there's a lot missing from this article. There are many options besides just prefolds, flats and all in ones. Also, used cloth diapers work just fine. Natural fiber diapers can easily last through multiple kids, though PUL and other waterproof fabrics tend to wear out sooner. There's really no basis at all for the statement that used cloth diapers "don't work very well." As long as diapers are washed properly, there shouldn't be any "health issues" either, otherwise no one should buy used baby clothing since it will inevitably have been soiled at some point.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Buy Cloth Diapers

eHow Parenting Editor

eHow Parenting Editor

Category: Parenting

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Parenting

JudyFord
Meet Judy Ford eHow’s Parenting Expert.